“Marmalade. This isn’t a good time for pets,” she scolded him gently as she stroked the tiger-striped soft fur.
“Oh, check out that tomcat! He’s definitely at ease with the crowd. I love these beautiful old houses that are actually homes,” a woman commented, drawing the surrounding people’s attention.
A circle formed around her and the purring feline. Afraid the cat and his new admirers were distracting from the main event, Essie tried to scoop him up, but Marmalade went limp, suddenly seeming three times heavier than usual.
“Oh, you!” Essie sighed and redoubled her efforts.
When she heard an audible inhale from the guests, Essie stood up, afraid someone had dropped a glass or another problem had arisen. When she turned, Zander knelt on one knee in front of her. She froze in shock.
“Zander?” she squeaked. What was he doing?
Chapter Nineteen
Zander’s smile reassured her. She noticed his forehead gleamed with scattered beads of sweat. It wasn’t hot in here. Was he nervous? Nothing ever rattled Zander. Before she could ask him if he was ill, he opened his mouth to speak.
“Essie Ferguson, thank you for returning to Ferguson’s Folly and coming back into my life. You light up my world and make every day memorable and special. I love you more each moment we spend together. But I’ll admit, I’m greedy. I want… a lifetime together.”
As her heart melted, Zander reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. As he opened the top, a thousand twinkling lights reflected on the diamond, setting the stone ablaze with color. Essie slapped a hand over her mouth to hide her gasp.
“Will you marry me, Essie?”
Tears gathered in her eyes, and she nodded. Realizing everyone was waiting for her to answer aloud, she removed her hand and said, “Yes, Zander, yes! A million times yes.”
Her handsome man stood and walked forward. He plucked the ring from the box and held out his hand for hers. After sliding the ring onto her left ring finger, he lifted her hand to his lips in asoft kiss. Essie threw her arms around his neck and drew his face down to hers.
She whispered softly for his ears only, “Kiss me, Daddy. I love you.”
The steamy kiss that followed took her breath away. Her heart beat so fast as he held her close. The idea she could look forward to his embrace for a lifetime to come thrilled Essie.
The sound of clapping filled the air as everyone celebrated their engagement. Many called out cheers of happy wishes for a long, happy life together as Zander pulled her close to his side.
Tiffanie walked forward with damp eyes to hand them each a glass of champagne. “Let’s toast the newly engaged couple! To Essie and Zander!”
“Thank you for coming to our engagement party,” Zander said to the crowd.
Essie’s mouth rounded in shock. They’d stolen the thunder of her client’s engagement. “Oh no,” she whispered, looking around for Mark Cunningham.
Her gaze met his twinkling eyes from the edge of the crowd. He nodded, silently reassuring her.
Zander said, “My apologies for lying to you, Essie. And for arranging for you to organize your own engagement party. No worries! I’m still paying.”
“You put this together for me, Zander?” Essie asked, afraid her ears had stopped working.
“He did,” Mark said. “Zander coached me on what to ask for. I simply had to memorize the right answers.”
“Mark helped me make sure you didn’t figure out our plan. He’s my cousin,” Zander said before telling him, “I owe you one, Mark.”
“I’ll collect one day,” Mark answered with a smile.
“Of course you will.”
Zander addressed the group, “Please, everyone, enjoy the beautiful ballroom. The DJ will start playing now. Let’s put on our boogie shoes and celebrate!”
As the music started, Marmalade brushed against the happy couple’s legs and left to find a quieter spot. Essie glanced up at Zander and shook her head in amazement. “How did you enlist the cat’s help?”
“I hadn’t planned that part, but I quickly took advantage of your distraction. Come, Essie. I need to hold you in my arms.”
He swirled her onto the dance floor, moving with his immaculate grace and skill. Essie relaxed in his arms. Zander guided her easily through the crowd as several couples joined them. The sparkle of her engagement ring distracted her from admiring his broad shoulders. Essie tilted her hand, studying it as Zander led her smoothly around the ballroom.
